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Friday, August 10, 2012

I've been a big fan of Clinique Chubby Stick lip crayons since they were launched in 2011. For me, they were one of the best new makeup product released last year! I own 6 of them (including minis coming in a cute silver pouch), and of course I was very excited to see their clone by Revlon, the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, arrive at my local drugstore. The cheap girl in me really wants the same great lippie for almost half the price!!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendez-Vous

Let's compare them in details!

Starting with the name, I think we can all agree that Clinique did a better job with their simple and fun Chubby Stick than Revlon with their mouthfull of stuff... I don't even want to write it again! My husband now calls every jumbo pencil he sees (lip crayon or eyeshadow or whatever) a "Chubby". Clinique 1 - Revlon 0.

Now let's take a closer look at the packaging. In both case, we have a colorful, Crayola like jumbo pencil, easy to use and not requiring sharpening. Clinique did not invent this kind of crayon: Tarte and their LipSurgence existed long before, although I don't know if the brand was actually the first to launch such a product.Clinique and Revlon versions look very similar if not identical, yet they don't contain the same amount of product! Clinique Chubby Stick is 3g, while Revlon Kissable (let's shorten it that way) is only 2.7g, which is 10% less. I know, you wouldn't have guessed just looking at them! So it's not really half price after all... Clinique 2 - Revlon 0. What about the color range? With their new shades recently released, Clinique now has a choice of 16 different colors, while Revlon comes in 12 different shades. Clinique 3 - Revlon 0.

Revlon Romantic

When it comes to the price, Revlon is obviously way more budget-friendly: $8.99 vs $16 for Clinique, plus there's always sales on Revlon in drugstores. Clinique 3 - Revlon 1.

Revlon Rendez-Vous

We've analysed the hard facts, now let's talk about how these 2 lippies feel and look. For the scent/flavor, I was surprised to discover that Revlon Kissable is minty. It's very personal, and I know a lot of people enjoy a fresh minty scent, but I really HATE it, especially the icy feel on my lips when I apply it. I'm glad it doesn't last long! The Chubby Stick, on the other hand, is not scented or flavored. Clinique 4 - Revlon 1.

Clinique Chubby Stick in Fuller Fig

Now the soft texture of the Chubby Stick is the main reason why I love it so much. It glides easily and feels like it melts on my lips, and applying it is a real pleasure. Unfortunately, Revlon Kissable did not meet my expectations in this department: it's noticeably dryer and doesn't apply as smoothly, which causes uneven color and emphasis on the dry areas of my lips. Not cool for a balm. Clinique 5 - Revlon 1. As for the moisturizing effect, Clinique Chubby Stick performs a lot better. It's comfortable to wear and really hydrates my lips, while I find the Revlon Kissable slightly drying, especially the Rendez-Vous shade... Balm, you said?? Clinique 6 - Revlon 1. Both products are similarly pigmented, although from my experience, the color intensity with Clinique Chubby Stick can vary according to the shade. With the ones I own, however, both brands perform pretty much the same. No points earned! The Chubby Stick finish is a lot glossier than Revlon Kissable, that I would describe more as a satin. I like both so I won't give points for the finish either. Revlon Kissable Balm Stain, with the word "stain" in its name, promises long wear time, while Clinique Chubby Stick doesn't mention that. Indeed, the Chubby doesn't linger very long on my lips and needs frequent re-application, whereas the Kissable leaves a long lasting stain behind. With Rendez-Vous, the problem shade, this stain seems to become darker and brighter, turning from a light orange to a reddish coral... weird. Still, the Revlon crayon can resist a light meal, which is a really good performance for this type of product. Clinique 6 - Revlon 2.

Time to count the points! Well the math is easy... Clinique 6 - Revlon 2No, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain won't replace Clinique Chubby Stick in my heart! It's cheaper and lasts longer alright, but for everything else, the Chubby Stick remains the best. Overall, you might be fine with the Revlon version if your lips are not too dry and the lasting power is the most important aspect for you. But if you look for comfort and a real moisturizing effect, stick with the Chubby.Where to buy the Revlon version? At your local drugstore or drugstore.com for the full choice of shades.Where to buy Clinique Chubby Sticks? clinique.com , nordstrom.com for free shipping and free beauty samples without a minimum purchase, sephora.com or at your local department storeThe product featured in this review was purchased by Lulle. I recieved no compensation to write this post, which only reflects my personal opinion. This post contains affiliate links.

If you're happy with the Revlon ones, maybe not... but if you want more comfort and moisture, then definitely yes!

If you decide to try the Chubby sticks, I strongly recommend getting into a store and swatching them: like I said, some colors are noticeably sheerer than others (for exemple, the new shade called Voluptuous Violet, which looks gorgeous, is in fact VERY sheer, barely pigmented). The ones I know and recommend are: Woppin' Watermelon, Whole lotta Honey, Fuller Fig, Super Strawberry, Mega Melon, Mighty Mimosa, Curvy Candy.

About Me

Lulle, 35, I was born and lived most of my life in France. I also spent 5 years in Istanbul, Turkey, and now reside in Southern California. I have a cat, Ernesto, a little rascal who traveled with me from one country to another. Happy to share my love for makeup with you!